There are still no indications that Hamas is softening its stance on the issue of the hostage deal after Israel resumed its attacks on the Gaza Strip, an Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday evening.
Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a three-hour meeting with Defense Minister Israel Katz and senior security officials.
After the meeting, an Israeli official told the Post "It was decided to raise the level of response – and actions are expected to escalate. What we saw, with the entry of ground forces into the Netzarim Corridor, is just the beginning."
Ministers in the government made it clear in conversations with the Post that Israel is focused on the goal of ending Hamas' rule in Gaza.
"Israel has decided to change its approach toward Hamas, and what Hamas is experiencing from Israel is about to change with American backing. There is a clear shift in the current equation," said Culture and Sport Minister Miki Zohar.
"Israel is seeking a resolution: either the return of all hostages, the expulsion of Hamas, and the disarmament of the organization, or, in my opinion, full occupation and Israeli control over the Gaza Strip," Zohar added.
The consensus for continuing the fight against Hamas exists among all the government ministers.
'There is no other way the war will end'
National Missions Minister Orit Strock told the Post that in this renewed action, Israel is making it clear that the ultimate goal has always been and remains the destruction of Hamas. "From my perspective, this is the only way the war will end. There is no other option," Strock said.
Strock added that this is an unfolding event and that the range of responses will escalate. "The targets in the strikes included Hamas' civilian leadership. This was outlined on October 7 but was never fully carried out—now we are working toward implementing that goal."
She also noted that what ministers are hearing lately is that all eyes in the regional arena are on Israel and Gaza to see what Israel will do there.
On Thursday, the Security Cabinet will convene to receive an update on the fighting in the Gaza Strip. "In the near future, we will see high-intensity fire. The IDF has prepared a plan for the Gaza Strip. We are focused on the goal," Zohar concluded.
